The Ellingson Society is named for Mark and Marcia Ellingson, fifth president and first lady of Rochester Institute of Technology, who propelled RIT to a new level of national and world prominence. In addition to their lifetime dedication to RIT, they established a trust which provides endowment support for today's and tomorrow's students.

The Ellingsons' gift underscores the way planned giving allows individuals and families to provide for their heirs and establish their own enduring legacy of support for RIT. The Ellingson Society honors those individuals and families who have informed us of their planned gift that will, in the future, fund RIT's greatest needs such as scholarships, special acquisitions, equipment purchases, and endowment to attract and retain top faculty.

The Ellingsons' dedication transformed RIT. Your thoughtful gift can have a similar impact on today's RIT. There is tremendous pride that comes in joining the Ellingson Society and believing in RIT's future. Your thoughtful planning and commitment to RIT will ensure unlimited possibilities to students and faculty for generations to come.

How to Join

The following types of gifts entitle you to membership in The Ellingson Society:

Establishing a charitable lead trust which provides income to RIT for your and/or others lifetimes, or for a term of years, and at the end, the assets are passed to your heirs with estate and gift tax savings.

Entering into an arrangement (retained life estate) where you maintain ownership of your property for life or a term of years and then pass the property on to RIT.

If you have already included RIT in your long term plans, we hope you will let us know by filling out the membership profile form. Your willingness to be listed as an Ellingson Society member encourages others to follow your example. Here is a list of RIT's current Ellingson Society Members as of January 31, 2014. Click here to view an alphabetical list of all our members. Of course, if you would rather remain anonymous we will honor your request, but we urge you to let us know of your intentions on a confidential basis in any case. Your generous plans help RIT's planning for the future. As always, if you have not yet included RIT in your plans and would like to explore the best options for you and your family, do not hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to assist you on a confidential basis and without any obligation.